WNYT.com

Cuomo: NY ready for latest storm

NEW YORK -- Gov. Cuomo says the state is ready to tackle this storm, but he has a warning for residents as we prepare for the Nor'easter to hit.

"Prepare properly and avoid unnecessary travel" said Cuomo, as he announced that several agencies are already prepared for the snow to start falling.

So here is what is already in place ahead of the storms arrival -- New York State has 1,789 plows, 359 loaders and 4,185 operators stationed and ready for the storm, along with 291,000 tons of salt on hand statewide. DOT tells NewsChannel 13, they have 36,500 tons of salt to use in the Capital Region.

Also all Thruway and New York DOT maintenance headquarters will be fully staffed around the clock for the duration of the storm.

National Grid and NYSEG are on standby, ready to tackle any outages.

"The electric utilities are prepared to respond to power disruptions throughout the event. In total, approximately 3,800 field workers are available to respond statewide. Additional crews are also available through mutual assistance, if needed," read an e-mail sent by the governor's office.

Public safety has also been addressed. The governor has ordered activation of the State Emergency Operation Center to keep an eye on this storm. All "specialty vehicles" in the State Police fleet, specifically the ones with four-wheel drive, have been prepared for use.